Good review thanks and it looks like u have learned the new system pretty well

If you use the app ways would you be able to see it in the wheels’ monitor?

This great video is alluding to something very important common to all possible ''Audiophile'' level sound systems (whether in a car or not), that offer Equaliser adjustment setting...that a lot of purchasers don't look into. The default setting of a lot of stereo systems EQs/even your smartphone audio (whether Harman Kardon; or other well-known brands such as Bowers & Wilkins), have the equaliser Hz settings all at ''50%'' that is all options of Hz 'in the 'middle'. This results in a 'muddy/flat' sound lacking in treble and bass. These stereo systems, it's really important to turn up (esp.) the treble and bass in the equaliser settings to the ''smile'' configuration; 100 Hz about +8; 350 Hz about just above the middle point; 1 kHz about just above the middle point; 3.5kHx slightly higher at about +1; 10 kHz recommend all the way up to +9; Subwoofer about +8 Even with the above, the Harmon Kardon VW Golf Mk8 system is still not quite as good/crisp as the equivalent Harmon Kardon surround system in the BMW 1 series for some reason/does get harsh at very loud settings. Possibly because the speaker set-up in the vehicle is not quite as good. But this crucial equaliser changes in settings makes a big difference in improving the sound and getting the most out of the system. It is a very similar analogy to leaving the EQ settings on your iPhone under 'music' settings to 'off', compared to changing the setting to 'Rock' or 'Dance' - notice the immediate improvement in crispness in sound...or leaving your amplifier EQ Hz settings in your home stereo system to all in the middle.. I hope this helps users who have this system purchased as an option...interesting in the past all stereo systems came with EQ switches (even on the ''boom boxes!" of the 80s) externally obvious, which forced us to play with them to remove the flatness of sound to this 'smile' configuration. Now with everything defaulted to options hidden without physical buttons, it's easy to not be aware of above tips.. Please note also that speakers of some companies like Harmon Kardon/Bowers & Wilkins need some 'riding in', and sound more dynamic/better after 1 month of constant usage in the car for some reason...

I feel like im not doing something right because the highs feel off. I dont know if its the Apple app or just how the speakers sound.

I have this and its only good thing is the surround sound mode. Other than that it is only just OK. It is missing the subs under the seats like a BMW. The kickbass modul is just that... no depth. But it is OK.

The 8+1 speaker HK setup on the golf is around 700 dollars (actually 10 speakers if you count the one on the dash). On the new Megan e tech there’s also an 8+1 speaker option from HK which is 1000 dollars but with no central speaker on the dash. Strange…..Thanks for the review! Cheers

How does this compare to fender audio in my mk7.5? Its decent

You should test this system after switching the brand to "Beats" with OBD11. Made a huge difference in my Mk8, even though you'd think Beats would have a worse sound signature. It actually sounds up there with the B&O system I had in my A4!

I own a ‘19 gli. The factory radio is terrible! I hope maestro develops my car for aftermarket integration.

How does HK compare to the Fender setup in the MK7/7.5 ?

How is this one doing vs. Mk7.5 Dynaudio?

Needs to be like Star Trek “computer”

Do you know if it's the same system as the gti ?

It's not horrible but lack luster also the sub is terrible I plan to upgrade to focal.

There’s a massive shortage of Harmon Kardon hardware. You may have a very long wait if specified in Europe. Not sure about North America?

I wonder how the new RS 3‘s soundsystem compares to this.

A "C" is not considered above average lol. So if its above average it has to be at least a B something.

Those sliding controls for the volume would drive me mad.

Sounds muddy

Absolutely mind blowing the way you are testing this sound system. No way any person that has adjusted eq's in the past, when there is the ability to adjust sound settings with one, would leave it flat / defaulted straight across. This video drove me to pure madness as this system would not nearly sound as bad as it did with the music you played, if you had the proper skill and "ear" sensitivity to adjust an eq. Such a bad and lazy representation on the potential of any sound system.

The sound system may be decent´ish, but I would go insane with those sliding touch sensitive buttons. Give me the MK7.5 instead. Dynaudio (better speakers imo) and actual physical buttons. Way better if you ask me.

I would give this stereo a D minus.

they ruiend the car by taking away the shifter.

First 60 seconds... Describes perfectly how wrong VW has designed their entertainment and touch buttons. So many complaints from journalists, influencers and customers. Is VW going to fix it for 2023?

Stupid music in the back…pls do not!!

One minute in and I'm already happy to not buy a Golf R based on the infotainment system alone.

Those red displays are still horrible, and dated.